Westmeath business owners encouraged to contact LEO with tariff concerns

With the new EU US tariff agreement set to come into effect on August 1, Local Enterprise Office Westmeath is encouraging businesses in the area to take action.

The new deal imposes a 15% tariff on most EU exports into the US and there is still a lack of clarity on the impact that will have on businesses and specific sectors.

The LEO are encouraging any business owners who think they will be affected in any way to contact them.

Tracey Tallon, acting head of enterprise for LEO Westmeath, said; ”This new agreement gives businesses a starting point to work from and some stability in their decision making. There is still a lot to be worked out about how this will impact certain sectors but planning can begin.”

She said any business owners or operators who think they might be affected, even if they are unsure, should contact the LEO and they can guide them through it.

“We have a range of supports and access to export consultants and customs training that can help businesses to understand and upskill where required. There are also supports such as the new Market Explorer Grant that enables business to look at new markets for their products.

“So, we would say to businesses, come and talk to us and we can help you map out a plan for the next six months and beyond to help you minimise the impact of these new tariffs and potentially look at new markets to exploit.”

The LEOs across the country will be working with clients to navigate the new customs agreement and pricing strategies. That will include assessing new markets, helping with tariff classification and also origin planning to reduce costs where possible.

Eligible businesses will also be able to access the new Market Explorer Grant to look at accessing new markets for their products.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices in the local authorities and funded by Enterprise Ireland are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow.

Since their inception, the LEOs have helped create some 80,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie.

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath/

Phone: 044 9338945

Email: localenterprise@westmeathcoco.ie

Address:

Áras an Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, County Westmeath

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am-5pm.